The Crazy-Weird Way I Achieved Glowing Skin

I shave my face, otherwise known in the industry as dermaplaning. I know, I know. I can visualise the horrified expression that’s suddenly drawn across your face, but hear me out. As regular readers will know, I'm the beauty editor with the terrible skin. At least it was terrible until I gave up dairy for a while (I've slowly reintroduced it) and streamlined my skincare routine. I also now shave my face.

Some of our L.A. team came over late last year and said everyone in the city was doing it, either in-clinic or at home. Of course, being the self-professed beauty addict I am, I did my research about what dermaplaning is and how to do dermaplaning at home, but it’s taken until this year for me to actually take a razor to my face. And now I'm hooked.

There are three reasons I shave my face (and not one involves losing my mind). First, it gets rid of those hairs around the chin (yep, we all get them as we age, although there are other ways to tackle your facial hair removal). Second, it manually buffs away dead skin cells that make my complexion look dull and can contribute to clogged pores that, if I'm not careful, lead to spots. Dermaplaning clears the way so my serums can get down to where they need to be rather than languishing on the surface. Third, it creates a soft, smooth surface, which means my makeup glides on flawlessly. And, of course, it's not just the dermaplaning that's helped my complexion look more glowing, but I definitely put some of it down to the addition of a regular shave.

Keep scrolling to find out more about dermaplaning and how to do it (go on, you know you want to).

It's not that unusual

Dermaplaning is common practice in Japan, also known as kao sori. It's "as common as tweezing your brows," says Japanese skincare expert and DHC Skincare editor Cynthia Popper. Everyone in Japan does it, from teens to people over 50. "Facial straight razors are found at every drugstore, and kao sori salons are ubiquitous," she adds.

I've written about the in-clinic dermaplaning treatment before. Dr. David Jack offers the treatment at his Harley Street clinic where he uses a medical-grade scalpel to "to gently scrape the top layer of dead skin cells away to reveal a brighter and smoother complexion." As we age, cell turnover decreases, and it affects our skin cells too, which is why our complexions' textures and tones often change as we get older.

the benefits of dermaplaning

At home, I've found dermaplaning leaves my skin incredibly smooth—we're talking baby soft. It also unclogs pores and removes facial hair. In Dr. Jack's capable and expert hands, you'll be removing a lot of dead skin, more than you could at home. "It removes around two to three weeks' worth," he says. "It is recommended to have this treatment at least at four-week intervals. This allows for the skin to complete its normal skin rejuvenation cycle of 30 days."

When I do it, it's not quite such a close shave! I use Tinkle Hair Removers (£2), and these are just sharp enough to remove hairs and buff away at the skin. Since dermaplaning, I've noticed not only is my skin more glowing and smooth but, as I mentioned, makeup application is much easier. It's a bit like when you have your walls skimmed and plastered before painting them. Dermaplaning creates a smooth surface on which you can apply makeup; there's no peach fuzz or rough skin getting in the way. A smoother surface also reflects light more effectively, which is why your skin will glow.

First off, I always make sure I've removed my makeup and thoroughly washed my face. There's no need to exfoliate on the same day, as this does that for you. I use the razor to gently glide up and down my face. It takes a few minutes, and you're done.

As for frequency, I tend to shave my face twice a week. On the days when I'm not dermaplaning, I'll use an acid-based face peel like Vichy Idealia Peeling (£30) to keep cell turnover at its peak. If you have sensitive or dry skin, go easy and start by shaving just once a week, and forgo the peel. Afterward, use an alcohol-based toner or wipe to give the blade a clean before the next use.

A Final Note

Shaving doesn't make hair grow back faster or thicker, I promise. The thicker hairs just feel a little stubbly because the hair now has a blunt edge; you won't notice this with the peach fuzz because it is so fine. You can combine dermaplaning with waxing, threading or laser so you can reap the skin-glowing benefits without unwanted thick hair.